Referees discuss a potential penalty. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK6MAUNO / FLICKR
Katelyn Auty
Head Copy Editor
Social Media Editor
Associate Sports Editor
The National Hockey League (NHL) has adopted four rule changes ahead of its 2024-2025 season. The changes were unanimously approved by the League’s Board of Governors, NHL General Managers, and the NHL/NHL Players’ Association Competition Committee.
Rule 38.2 (Situations Subject to Coach’s Challenge)
A coach can now challenge a penalty for a puck out of play. This only applies to penalties where the puck is determined to have hit off a player, stick, glass, or boards. This rule change does not cover judgment calls on how the puck left the defensive zone, such as batted pucks or shots from within the defensive zone. If the challenge fails, the team will be given a two-minute minor penalty in addition to the existing delay-of-game penalty.
Rule 63.8 (Line Change Following Dislodged Net)
This rule has been revised so the defensive team cannot make a line change in the event its goaltender accidentally dislodges the net. Previously, this rule applied only to skaters.
Rule 75.3 (Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Player Sitting on Boards)
The referee will now issue one warning to the offending team’s head coach and players regarding players sitting on the boards. The other team will be informed of this as well. After one warning, the team that drew the warning will be issued a bench minor penalty for further violations.
Rule 76.4 (Face-Off Procedure – Centers)
After an icing, the offensive center will now also receive one warning, the same as a defensive player, for a faceoff violation.
At the moment, it remains unclear what the NHL’s goal is regarding these rule changes. While some may help speed the game along, others could slow it down significantly. With the expansion of the coach’s challenge comes further efforts to ensure accurate calls on the ice. While that’s commendable, lengthy stoppages to review penalties aren’t necessarily ideal for players or fans.
Ultimately, the impact of these changes will be determined by how it all unfolds on the ice. As the season develops, it will be interesting to see if the changes made have a positive impact on the game, or if the rules need some further adjustment.